California To Launch $2 Billion ‘Housing First’ Program For Homeless Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

On July 1, 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation to launch a “housing first” bond fund that counties can use to create permanent housing and supportive services for homeless individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The legislation, AB 1618, the “No Place Like Home” Initiative, will establish a $2 billion bond fund out of funds raised through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Under the “housing first” model, people are provided with safe, secure housing, and are encouraged to receive supportive, wraparound services, such as mental health treatment. However, participation in treatment is not mandatory.

The program will be . . .